Food waste, hunger, inhumane livestock conditions, disappearing fish stocks鈥攖hese are exactly the kind of issues we expect food regulations to combat. Yet, today in the United States, laws exist at all levels of government that actually make these problems worse. Baylen Linnekin argues that, too often, government rules handcuff America鈥檚 most sustainable farmers, producers, sellers, and consumers, while rewarding those whose practices are anything but sustainable.
Biting the Hands that Feed Us introduces readers to the perverse consequences of many food rules. Some of these rules constrain the sale of 鈥渦gly鈥� fruits and vegetables, relegating bushels of tasty but misshapen carrots and strawberries to food waste. Other rules have threatened to treat manure鈥攖he lifeblood of organic fertilization鈥攁s a toxin. Still other rules prevent sharing food with the homeless and others in need. There are even rules that prohibit people from growing fruits and vegetables in their own yards.
Linnekin also explores what makes for a good food law鈥攐ften, he explains, these emphasize good outcomes rather than rigid processes. But he urges readers to be wary of efforts to regulate our way to a greener food system, calling instead for empowerment of those working to feed us鈥攁nd themselves鈥攕ustainably.
"Linnekin is fervent about flawed policy. His book cleverly and precisely decries how the federal government's rules and restrictions regarding food are a serious disservice to producers and consumers alike."鈥�Booklist
"A detailed, fascinating...account of the unforeseen counsequences of FDA rules and regulations."鈥�Men's Journal
"As Biting the Hands that Feed Us explains in an accessible and entertaining way, too often our legal system not only fails to protect us, but even undermines our efforts. While I don't always agree with Baylen Linnekin, I appreciate his willingness to challenge assumptions about food regulations. His book is an important contribution to the food policy discourse."鈥擬ichele Simon, author of "Appetite for Profit" and executive director, Plant Based Foods Association
"Makes a strong case that the biggest issues facing our nation's food supply are ones deserving bipartisan solutions—and that those solutions might actually entail fewer, better food laws instead of a spate of new ones."鈥�Huffington Post
"Applies a critical eye to the unintended consequences of many rules and regulations...Linnekin doesn't just rely on stats, he tells the personal stories of small-business owners who've been harmed by various rules."鈥�Politico
"If you ever wondered why local, sustainable, innovative food is either expensive or difficult to find, Linnekin lays out the reason brilliantly: a plethora of antagonistic government rules. A must-read for all who desire the ultimate personal liberty: the right to choose our food."鈥擩oel Salatin, third generation farmer, Polyface Inc. and author of "Folks, This Ain't Normal"
"Linnekin mixes his mastery of history and law with a great sense of humor and frustration at a regulatory and cultural system that is completely at odds with itself. This is the book to give to your farmer-market friends who love Whole Foods, mandatory GMO labeling, and dictating what is good not just for themselves but everyone in society."鈥�Reason
"Promoting a libertarian take on the regulation of organic food, this engaging book presents a fresh perspective on a popular topic...With example after example, Biting effectively makes the case that organic farmers should be allowed to do what they do best, with less regulation and oversight...Regardless of their political affiliation, many audiences will find this book fascinating."鈥�Foreword
"A seasoned food lawyer and law professor, [Linnekin] keeps an eagle eye out for the head-smacking inanities that creep into the regulatory language...Linnekin's book is must reading for anyone affected by food regulations."鈥�Acres U.S.A.
"Provocative...Linnekin leaves the reader with guiding principles of how we can transform food policy in a direction that promotes—not inhibits sustainability."鈥�Civil Eats
"Impressively well researched, written, organized, and presented, Biting the Hands that Feed Us is as informed and informative as it is thoughtful and thought-provoking. A critically important contribution to our on-going national conversations over food safety, animal management, contemporary hunger management, and related social issues."鈥�Midwest Book Review
"Boldy and vociferously argues that many of the general food rulings lead to food wastage, exclusion of artisinal produce, and in some instances may affect public health...This volume provides helpful insight inot the many restrictive edicts that hamper the sustainability of the public and private food system."鈥�Choice
"A provocative critique of current food policy from a libertarian perspective."鈥�Kirkus
